1963 Pontiac Tempest Convertible Coupé

Footnotes

By the late 1950s, Pontiac had earned a reputation as one of General Motors' most innovative divisions. Since 1956, engineer John De Lorean and his team had been working on a car with all-independent suspension using swing axles at the rear. That project resulted in the development of a rear transaxle and patented low-profile flexible driveshaft. This innovative drive train first appeared in 1961 in the all-new Tempest, which was powered by a 194.5ci (3.2-litre) slant-four engine. Relatively few convertibles were made, and they are very rare outside the USA.

A collectible 'Classic American' of a type rarely seen in the UK, this Pontiac Tempest belonged to the previous owner for some 20-plus years, and has been in the current vendor's hands for the last three. Imported into the UK earlier this year, the Pontiac had been garaged in California when not used, and thus kept dry. The chassis is said to be in great shape, with no visible rust or signs of previous damage, while the bodywork is described as straight, with doors, bonnet, and boot fitting well. The paintwork, though, shows some signs of age. All the seats are intact and nicely patinated, while the interior paint and dashboard instruments are in generally very good condition. The stereo system is original.

The engine was serviced regularly by the previous owner, and the electrics have been rewired to incorporate a modern fuse system; the battery is new and everything works, with the exception of the fuel gauge. Most of the hoses were replaced recently. New rear cylinders have been fitted to the brakes, which are said to work very well (spare shoes are included in the sale). The transmission is said to be in good order, running quietly. Parts renewed recently include the windscreen and seal; the felt weather stripping on all door windows; the period-correct white canvas convertible top; and the tyres.

While still in the USA, the car was driven by the vendor through Laurel Canyon and up to Griffith Park in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, remaining smooth and unruffled in the summertime heat. In the summer of 2016, this Tempest featured in the Concours d'Élégance at the Hurlingham Club (the judges had never seen one before!). Never restored, it has been cared for and kept operational, delivering an authentically original driving experience.

MoT'd to July 2017, the car comes with an original fuel filler funnel; pair of rare rear wheel spats/skirts; original factory 'bullet' wing mirrors; spare wheel with hubcap and puncture repair tools; an old emergency kit; original owner's and workshop manuals; and a spare set of keys. There are sundry invoices on file together with a V5C Registration Document.